Baritone Benjamin Appl joins WFMT to pay tribute to his mentor, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, whose centenary is celebrated in 2025. “The first time I heard his voice was at school when I was twelve. In 2009, I applied for his master class at the Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg which was the start of a long and transformative relationship. I was fortunate to work with him on my entire repertoire over countless hours in his homes in Berlin and Berg.” Appl’s latest album with pianist James Baillieu tells the story of Fischer-Dieskau’s life and career through art song, including compositions by family members Albert and Klaus Fischer-Dieskau, repertoire he sang as a soldier during World War II and as a P.O.W. in Italy, commissions composed especially for him, and favorite Lieder by Schubert. Learn more about For Dieter: Hommage à Dietrich Fischer Dieskau HERE.
Benjamin Appl on Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Playlist
All selections performed by baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist James Baillieu unless otherwise indicated.
Franz Schubert: An die Musik, D.547
Robert Schumann: “Im wunderschönen Monat Mai” from Dichterliebe, Op. 48*
Schubert: Strophe aus ‘Die Götter Griechenlands,‘ D.677
Claude Debussy: Schöner Abend, L. 84 (translation by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau)
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Ach, die Augen sind es wieder
Hanns Eisler: Die Heimkehr
Klaus Fischer-Dieskau: Aus Schmerzen und Freuden geboren, Op. 22/1†
Bruno Walter: Des Kindes Schlaf
Schubert: An Mein Klavier, D.342
Benjamin Britten: Hörnersang from War Requiem (transl. Fischer-Dieskau)
Samuel Barber: Three Songs, Op. 45
1. Now I Have Fed and Eaten Up the Rose
2. A Green Lowland of Pianos
3. O Boundless, Boundless Evening
Carl Maria von Weber: Meine Lieder, meine Sänge, Op. 15/1
R. Schumann: Requiem, Op. 90/7
*Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore recorded at the Salzburg Festival, August 13, 1956
†Bartolomeo Dandolo Marchesi, cello
